SDO claims ex-minister assaialted him

Bhopal, July 5 (UNI) A Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department sub-divisional officer today lodged a complaint at the T T Nagar Police Station alleging that state BJP spokesman and MLA Umashankar Gupta, who is also a former minister, assaulted him.

Confirming the development, Superintendent of Police Anant Kumar Singh said, ''The complaint was filed by Mr Ramesh Chandra Chaturvedi who is posted in the New Bhopal division. Investigation is underway and an FIR will be filed.'' Meanwhile, the division's Public Works employees staged a strike and demanded action against Mr Gupta. The Diploma Engineers Association and Public Works Department State Officers Association warned of a statewide strike by employees.

Mr Chaturvedi alleged that Mr Gupta summoned him to his residence at about 0900 hrs today, lost his temper and slapped him.

On the other hand, Mr Gupta said, ''I had summoned the official to my residence in connection with some work at a ward in my constituency but all this talk about misbehaviour is baseless.'' UNI SD-AC VD PC1707